Bonfire Night & Firework Safety Tips

It's great running your own bonfire night firework display. The kids will love seeing the grand displays in the sky above, and you've got free reign over what fireworks to buy, but whether you're going big or small, you need to take care. Fireworks are serious business and need to be handled correctly, so we've put together some safety tips and advice to help make sure you're setting them off properly, in the right environment at the right time. That way, everyone can enjoy the display with peace of mind and keep safe.

Choose one person to be in charge of the fireworks. By limiting responsibility to one person, it means there's less people at risk.

Alcohol and fireworks don't mix. Ideally, you want to nominate someone who isn't drinking to run the display. Also, be mindful (particularly at parties) that stronger alcohol like spirits are flammable, so keep them well away from fireworks and open flames.

Keep spectators at a safe distance. At home, this might look like keeping off the grass and remaining on the concrete, or somewhere you can mark as a boundary for guests. There's loads of different kinds of fireworks, all with their own advice on distance - so check the instructions as your first port of call before deciding a boundary.

Sparklers are dangerous for children under 5. Sparklers are extremely hot in temperature, so they should not be given to under 5s. Children over the age of 5 should still be supervised by an adult.

Always wear gloves when handling sparklers. You should also make sure that there is no bare skin on show by wearing long sleeved clothing.

Put sparklers into cold water when you have finished with them. Keep plenty of water buckets nearby so that people can extinguish their sparklers straight away.

Keep pets inside. Bonfire night is a bad time of year for pets, they're easily scared by the loud noise and the stress can linger. You'll want to dampen the noise by closing your windows and doors, and turn up the noise indoors (perhaps the TV or radio) to help distract them. Regardless, they may naturally want to run and hide, so if they've found somewhere hidden, leave them be.

Learn to treat minor burns. Learning how to treat minor burns and scalds is always a good firework safety precaution, but if the injury is more severe call for emergency services immediately.

As we move through Autumn, the weather starts to get colder and colder, and being at night time, you'll want to make sure you're wrapped up warm.

We've got plenty of cosy padded jackets and parkas in our Autumn/Winter collection, perfect for all of your outdoor activities throughout the colder seasons. Paired with some winter accessories, you'll be all set for bonfire night.

For the little ones, there's a huge range of kids' hats, gloves and scarves available here at Regatta Great Outdoors, you’ll be able to keep your youngsters wrapped up warm this bonfire night. For an extra layer of warmth, check out our range of outdoor jackets online today.

If you’re thinking of using fireworks as part of your festive celebrations, there are 10 safety rules for bonfire night that you should familiarise yourself with. The firework safety code is made up of simple firework safety tips that will ensure everyone has a good time without getting hurt.

1. Keep fireworks in a closed box

Keeping fireworks in a closed box will reduce the risk of them accidentally setting off. You should also take fireworks out of the box one at a time, rather than emptying them all onto the ground to avoid damaging them.

2. Buy your fireworks from a reputable company

When purchasing your fireworks, make sure they're marked CE and BS 7114 to confirm they are in line with British Standards. If they aren’t, avoid using them at your bonfire night celebrations.

3. Follow firework instructions correctly

This may seem a simple point, but failing to read firework instructions correctly can result in unwanted injury and harm. Firework instructions can provide further firework safety information and inform you if the area you are planning on setting them off in is suitable.

4. Do not throw fireworks

Not only could throwing fireworks cause danger and harm to those attending your bonfire night display, it’s also illegal. If you use fireworks illegally you can be fined up to £5000 and imprisoned for up to 6 months.

5. Never put fireworks in your pocket

Carrying fireworks in your pocket can be extremely dangerous as the friction from your clothes may cause them to set off. Instead, keep them stored in the box they came in or a metal box with a secure lid.

6. Light fireworks at arm’s length

The safest way to light fireworks is to use a safety gas lighter (otherwise known as a ‘clicker’). Once lit, ensure you and your guests move out of the area to avoid harm.

7. Plan your firework display in advance

Even though bonfire night celebrations happen when it’s dark, it’s a good idea to prepare your fireworks in daylight when you have a better sense of your surroundings. You should also ensure that you are not setting off loud fireworks late at night, and that your firework display finishes before 12pm. According to the law, you must not set fire works off between 11pm and 7am. Bonfire night is an exception, where the cut off is midnight, along with Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year where the cut off is 1am.

8. Make sure fireworks are directed away from spectators

To keep your friends and family safe, be sure to read the recommended safe spectator distances that can be found in the firework instructions.

9. Ensure children are supervised at all times

Bonfire night fireworks are exciting for little ones, but as children may not grasp the consequences of not following firework safety precautions, they need adult supervision at all times.

10. Never return to a firework after it has been lit

It’s easy to forget that fireworks are explosives, so even if it doesn’t look like the firework has been lit properly, or it's fallen over, it can still go off. It will be safer for you and everyone else if you just leave it alone.